The Marche Region has commissioned a study monitoring the wolf in Le Marche region in the period 2010-2012. Just these days the dossier was presented. The investigation is part of a comprehensive program carried out by several institutions.

The good news: the wolves' population continues to grow.

In Le Marche it has estimated a population between 137 and 155 animals. The DNA analyzed, collected into three main areas (north, center, south) describes about six main packs of wolves. Beautiful animals in good health... and we can start thinking about guided tours for their observation and listening.

Giovanni Santi, father of the artist Raphael, died on 1 August 1494 in Urbino. He was in his late 50s. In addition to training his more famous son, Santi had a successful career as court painter and poet at the Court of Urbino. Born to a wealthy merchant family in the small town of Colbordolo, Santi pursued an artistic career and joined the lively art scene at the court of Duke Federico da Montefeltro in the 1470s. Santi’s work shows the influence of both Netherlandish and central Italian painting that he came to know while working at court. He likely came into contact there with Pietro Perugino, with whom his son Raphael would apprentice at the turn of the century. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Giovanni Santi, Raphael‘s father, was not a bad artist himself. Although Giorgio Vasari in his “Lives of the Artists”described Santi as a “pittore non molto eccellente” – (not a very distinguished painter), he added “uomo di buono ingegno e atto a indirizzare i figliuoli per quella buona via” (a man of good intelligence and capable of directing his sons along that good path).

Anisetta Meletti is the name of a local artisan produced anise liquor produced in Ascoli Piceno from local ingredients including the best green anise in the world. Have a glass at Caffè Meletti in Piazza del Popolo. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Silvio Meletti learned her mother’s technique and recipes and started studying French essays on distillation (His family still owns his book dated 1700) and after several experiments, he enhanced the recipe and distillation technique that is still used today to obtain the Anisetta Meletti.This recipe main ingredient is the green anise (Pimpinella anisum), a type of anise typical of the mediterranean area; green anise is strongly aromatic because of the clay nature of the soil in the Marche region and particularly in the Ascoli area...

It is really reducing defining this place misterious…or even mystical…because I would rather say magical! It could be an amazing location for any fantasy film: an octagonal temple framed in mountain’s cave which gets deeper into darkness.[...]

My barista knows me better than anyone else in Ascoli. She greets Katie and I with a cheerful “ciao” every morning and she even knows our orders by heart; a cappuccino and cornetto con marmellata for me and for Katie, it’s a Caffè Americano and cornetto con Nutella. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

We have the occasion to read about the more Ashley's impressions about Ascoli Piceno. She comes from a small town in New Hampshire, USA and arrived in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, to take three academic courses.

Land of myths the Sibillini Mountains owe their name to the priestess Sibilla, who was able to predict the future and lived in a stone grotto. The Monti Sibillini National Park, is dominated by Mount Vettore (2,476 mt), a mount which name originates from "Iuppiter Victor", a park 70.000 hectares between Umbria and Marche that offers numerous trekking opportunities.

I live in central Italy in the seaside town of Pesaro. Everyone cycles here. Not just the lycra-brigade, but little old ladies with handbags too. Mammies or daddies with piccola Maria beaming at the front of the bike, and piccolo Mario singing at the back. Local composer, Gioachino Rossini, probably started like that. Adopted local tenor, Pavarotti, just continued the tradition. Of course the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside provide a bit more challenge, but pit-stops are pleasant in the beautifully preserved medieval villages dotting local peaks like Gradara, Urbino or San Leo. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

In May, The Irish Times invited readers abroad to tell about their relationship with the place they have made home, and why they love living there. This story is one of the entries The Irish Times has received. Read more here

Senigallia is a top destination for carefree holidays in the sun, sea, good food, romantic evenings and a bit of culture, which is always a plus. Here the atmosphere is very soft, just like the sand of the famous “velvet beach”, famous worldwide for its fine sand. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Senigallia hosts the annual Italian summer Jamboree 50s festival. The city is located in the Adriatic Riviera, beautiful marine landscapes and much more. This is also a preferred holiday destination for many families from all over the world. It is because Senigallia is a quiet, clean and exceptionally Italian town with a lot to give back to its visitors.Between 1st and 9th August 2015 the town will be transformed by the noisiest and biggest music festival on the Adriatic as the Summer Jamboree 50s fest will once again take over Senigallia and turn it into the most exciting August party place in Europe. Music from the 40s and 50s of the past century will be played and performed live on stage.

The neoclassic Sferisterio in Macerata, however, is a truly unique open-air stadium. ...It features the typical arched layout of similar structures in antiquity, and was in fact used for matches of what used to be a popular traditional game called “pallone a bracciale”.In 1920, the Sferisterio was renovated with the aim of turning it into a proper venue for opera performances. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

We all know about the Italians' passion for calcio, but in the past, at the end of the nineteenth century, was the sport of the pallone col bracciale the most popular game. This article tells us about the decision in the '20s to turn a stadium designed for this ancient sport but in decline, in a theater. Was it a success?

Since arriving and getting a chance to explore the city I have fallen in love with this place.Ascoli Piceno is a picture perfect medieval town made up of hilly streets and wonderful piazzas. My favorite thing to do is walk around the city and find new places I have not seen yet/get lost in the twisting streets. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

I think the future of tourism promotion is not the self-referentiality of the operators, neither the partisan work of bloggers. The future is the digital curation. Allow others to speak well about Le Marche, you must just collect and disseminate the reviews, blog posts, photos and videos. Read about the positive experiences of the Spain. Long live the Digital Curation.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, a vacant piazza comes to life as local farmers unload crates of vibrantly colored fruits, vegetables, cheeses and grains to sell to the people of Ascoli Piceno. Around, there are people with canvas bags selecting the best items for the coming week’s provisions. Children run and dance through the rows of vendors. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

It is beautiful read about our farmer markets seen through the eyes of a Us citizen, where the farmer markets are taken so seriously. In italy they represent a re-discovered activity. Till forty years ago especially in le Marche, they were the consuetude inside the public fairs, organized more often than today, in every town and village. It was the base of the italian economic system when agriculture was the main source. Nowadays is the way to meet the people which supply important products of our diet, in a world where beautiful is not always healthy.

Down in the Piazza del Popolo, I enjoy my first taste of Italian cappuccino with a cornetto con marmellata at Caffé Portos. Around me, I see older gentlemen and couples having their morning caffé as they read the newspaper written in foreign Italian script. One man sings “Oh, Happy Day” and I can’t help but think, “yes it really is.” Since arriving in Ascoli Piceno last week, I have been given repeated reminders of how much of a treasure this quaint town is just by immersing myself and existing in this culture. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Ashley, from a small town in New Hampshire, USA, arrived in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, to take three academic courses, each acquainting her with Italian culture in their own unique way. Here one of her articles. [read more]

Located at one of Italy’s little hidden-gems, this magical forest in the Le Marche Region sets the backdrop for this awe- inspiring destination shoot. Styled by wedding planner HONEY AND CINNAMON and photographed by Paolo Biondi and the talented duo from Francesca Francesca Photography, this alluring shoot portrays the natural beauty of a dusky autumn wedding and tells a story of love, dreams and beautiful poetry. If you have ever considered an autumn theme, then this magical atmosphere enchanted by love poems is sure to warm your heart. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

The picture of the magical forest belonging to the "Riserva Naturale Regionale del Monte San Vicino e del Monte Canfaito", a Regional Park in Le Marche Region, make me feel better in this hot summer. Open the article clicking on the photo to feel better as me.

Have you ever been inside a massive cavern? One so big you can’t see the ceiling? It’ll make your jaw DROP. That’s exactly what happened to me the first time I saw the caves. I couldn’t help but stare up in bewilderment, mouth agape at what I was (or wasn’t) seeing. As your gaze peers upward, the walls of the great cavern disappear into the black abyss. The Abyss Ancona, as the room is called, is large enough to fit the Taj Mahal. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

The Frasassi Caves can be placed among the few caves in the world able to break dimension records.

Eisriesenwelt Cave ice cave - is the world’s largest ice cave, with a length of almost 50 kilometers (30 mi). Werfen Village in Salzburg - Austria

Orda Cave - the longest underwater cave in Russia and the world’s only known underwater gypsum cave. Its length is almost 5 kilometers (3 mi) of cavern

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - The Subterranean River in Palawan, Philippines, also called the St. Paul Underground River, It is an 8-kilometer (5 mi)

Lubang Nasib Bagus Sarawak Chamber - The largest underground space in the world. It is located in Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo. Its estimated ceiling height is 100 meters (320 ft), and its maximum dimensions have been estimated to be 700 x 400 meters (2,300 x 1,300 ft).

Krubera Cave or Voronya Cave, was named the deepest cave in the world. In October 2004, scientists estimated its depth to be 2,080 meters (6,800 feet). The cave is located in Abkhazia, a republic that belongs to Georgia

THE Marche region in Italy used to be unkindly described as the poor man's Tuscany.

I think it has upgraded now but it has never received the excellent PR Tuscany has basked in for so long. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

This article reveals a stark reality, Le Marche are not able to escape the spiral of prejudices related to an unjustified comparison with the neighboring Tuscany.Already the name of Le Marche is ambiguous with more than one meaning, impoverishing the online reputation. In addition Le Marche unlike of Puglia, is unfortunately always likened to Tuscany to help the visitor to collocate it geographically. "Visit the Marche if you have already seen the Tuscany", this is what is perceived.

I was 10 years old when I attended for the very first time the Quintana Tournament, one of the most popular event in the city of Ascoli Piceno. My grandmother insisted saying that, at least once in my life, I should have attended this event. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

The "Giostra della Quintana" among the Best 10 festivals 2015 you cannot Miss out in Italy:

Battle of the Oranges – Ivrea (Piedmont) - third week of February

Game of the Bridge – Pisa (Tuscany) - last Sunday of June

Palio di Siena – Siena (Tuscany) - the 2nd of July and on the 16th of August

Venice’s Carnival – Venice (Veneto)

Corsa dei ceri Gubbio – Gubbio (Umbria)- 15th of May

Infiorata Festivals – Noto, Spello, Genzano - May and June

Easter Processions – Sicily - during the holy week

Calcio Fiorentino – Florence (Tuscany) - third week of June

Historic Regatta – Venice (Veneto) - between April and September

The sport as we know them today, the tournaments in chivalry style are modern forms of public entertainment and fun that have evolved or have been rescued from the oblivion of history or have avoided Papal or Royal prohibitions.Even at the end of the nineteenth century there were stone-throwing battles between town districts. The teams faced each other as rivals in a battlefield. Even in Italy there were bull runs, tauromachie and the fights between bulls and mastiffs. All bloody manifestations prohibited by the Pope.

Frederick II – Barbarossa was born in a tent in the market square of Jesi on the 26th December 1194. The reason he was born in a tent was because his mother the Empress Constance was at that time, ...

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

This author of this article asks us why Italians don’t take a sandwich for lunch and eat a full meal at home or in one of the many restaurants. Good or not, maybe this is the base of the long life expectation the Region proudly shows to the world. Perhaps an Emperor's luxury not destined to last.

However, my trip to the region Marche, specifically Cagli, Umbria and Jesi was where I found the Italy I’d dreamed about and have fallen in love with. As I’ve often heard, it’s who you meet, the people you interact with, that make a place memorable–positive or negative. In Puglia, I will fondly remember the enthusiastically helpful train drivers, in Milano, the considerate and trusting ticket officers, and in Rome, the brisk snickering tram drivers. But in Le Marche, where my family is, I will never forget the hospitality, warmth, good food, and genuine love. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

This article reminds me an Italian movie Journey to Italy (Italian: Viaggio in Italia) a 1954 Italian drama film directed by Roberto Rossellini, starring Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders. A religious procession in Naples miraculously rekindles the protagonists' love for each other. Similarly, in this article, a journey to Le Marche, rekindles the love for Italy of the authoress.

The Forte Malatesta is a wonderful bit of Renaissance fortified architecture on the outskirts of Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche. It hosts the Museum of the High Medieval and is worth a few hours of your time to admire. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

The Forte Malatesta is not the only attraction of Ascoli Piceno.

The Travertine Town has lots to offers to visitors. a precious jewel for those who love architecture and art. A real revelation, with its many romanics, medieval, gothic and renaissance landmarks, wonderfully mixed with the elegance of travertine.

Here the top 10 (actually 12) of the monuments and attractions in Ascoli Piceno by Michelin travel site:

Piazza del Popolo

Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo

S. Francesco (Saint-Francis Church)

Pinacoteca (art gallery)

Corso Mazzini

S.S. Vincenzo e Anastasio

Ponte romano di Solestà (Roman bridge of Solestà)

Caffè Meletti (Café Meletti)

Museo archeologico (archaeological museum)

S. Agostino Church

Via delle Torri (Tower street)

Via dei Soderini (Soderini street)

The walls of the historical centre, offer you funny incisions of popular quotes of the fifteenth century.

My name is Alessandro Ciapanna. I was born in San Benedetto del Tronto, in the Ascoli Piceno province of Italy’s Marche region. When my father Cesco (or, more familiarly Ceschino) passed away in early 2014. Of the things he left behind there is one i am particularly fond of. It is the same leather-bound album of photographic prints my grandfather lovingly assembled and then carefully guarded. The binding is now in tatters, but the content is surprisingly well preserved. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

There was a time when it was enough to launch a fishing net off the coast and pull it with the arms strength from the shore to make copious catch. But life for sailors of all Le Marche was hard even if it is not so clear in these precious visual documents represented by the guarded photos of Giacomo Ciapanna

The Abbey of Santa Croce, which lays just outside the little town of Sassoferrato (Ancona). It was built in the late XII century from the Atti family from Sassoferrato in favor of the Camaldolesi’s monks. On the outside wall, next to the entrance, you can clearly see a Templar cross. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Just outside the town of Sassoferrato, there is the Abbey of Santa Croce (the Abbey of the Holy Cross), the Romanesque building is among the most mysterious of Le Marche. The building shows the ancient symbol of the god Mithras and to see the Templar influences must note the capitals, where a particular monster is depicted: the mermaid with two tails. Yes, the same used as logo by the Starbucks Coffee Chain. The mermaid with two tails is often depicted in Templar buildings, it is also known as "Melusine" a fairy from whom they said to descend the Merovingians and Plantagenets. Melusine is also a deity linked to the Mother Goddess.Another sign of the Templar origin is the alternation of black and white stone of some columns, symbols of good and evil struggling in the Universe and the plan of the church, a Greek cross, like the Templars cross on the walls.

After Bologna, I went to visit my friend in her Region in The Marche Italy. Since the weather was super bad in Germany we focussed on one thing in this region of Italy, Beaches. We explored 3 different beaches : Porto Recanati, Porto Novo with it’s crystal clear water, and Civitanova [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

She is Amandine, 25 years old from Paris but living in Berlin.Les Berlinettes is her music and fashion blog with all things she likes. Few days ago, Amandine came in Le Marche bringing to the Adriatic Coast the beauty of her years and that irresistible mix of exotic/French charm.

A video takes us over the province of Macerata. The flight starts over the beautiful Pievebovigliana, it proceeds over the unmissable Church of San Giusto in San Maroto to reach immediately after to Visso through the Sanctuary of Macereto before of nearly brush against the highest tower of the ancient walls. Suddenly the video descend altitude to make a bird's-eye view of Porto Recanati and then back over Caldarola where we are introduced to the beauty of the interiors of the Castello Pallotta. A drone flight over Montelupone means almost touch the crenellated tower before to set for the stunning ending of a panoramic view of the le marche countryside.

Discover the historical parade and event of Ascoli Piceno, one of the most beautiful cities in the center of Italy. This event takes place in July and August and is not to be missed! [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

The Pinktrotters is the community for women travelling together, sharing their experiences, stories and friendships. Men and women don't like the same things when travelling, so why try to conciliate different tastes?Women like everything beautiful, chic, fashionable and like to express their adventurous side, share unique experiences, from cultural and artistic to high fashion glamour shows.If the Pinktrotters community reviews the Quintana of Ascoli Piceno, we can be sure this is an event of the Summer 2015... JUST WORTH GOING!

The Montelago Celtic Festivals tirteenth edition takes place this year on the apennine plains of Colfiorito in central Italy from 6th-8th August, featuring The Rumjacks from Australia, Galicias Mercedes Pen, and Corvus Corax from Germany among the festivals 20-concert programme. This year also introduces the European Celtic Contest for the first time, pitting Europes best up-and-coming artists against each other for the promise of performing at Italys leading Celtic festivals in 2016. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Discover which is the summer festival located in the apennine border of Le Marche and Umbria that attracts 20,000 enthusiasts and it is realized with the patronage of the Irish Embassy in Italy, and attracts the attention of the Italian Ministry of Youth and the BBC, thanks to its unique and diverse mix of high-quality cultural and social events.

Yet both places represent two ends of the spectrum of an Italian pride in traditional craftsmanship, in this case, woodworking. One is the work of a single elderly man who seems not to care about the marketplace. The other, the Bartolucci company, produces up to 2,000 mostly carved wooden items to sell in 140 stores worldwide. [...]

Mariano Pallottini's insight:

Italy is renowned for its artisans. They create unique masterpieces by hand, even in an age in which most products are mass-produced. But these artisans and their work are at risk of disappearing. [source]

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